In the town of Floresti, northern Moldova, a 22-year-old entrepreneur, Dumitru Stoica, transformed a simple idea into an innovative social project: “Connect Café” – a mobile café designed for active youth engaged in community life.
As the founder of the Regional Center for Social Initiatives and Sustainable Development (CRISDD), Dumitru identified an urgent need among young people in Florești: a lack of spaces for socializing and relaxation. That’s how “Connect Café” was born.
“The opening of “Connect Café” was a response to the lack of recreational and social spaces for youth,” explains Dumitru Stoica.
The initiative came to life thanks to the project “Harnessing the CSOs’ potential to promote and develop social entrepreneurship in Moldova”, implemented by the East Europe Foundation and financed by the European Union under the EU4Business initiative, with co-financing from Sweden. Dumitru was one of ten selected beneficiaries who received non-reimbursable financial support to develop and promote social entrepreneurship in Moldova. He received EUR 37,500, which he invested in setting up a modern mobile café equipped with solar panels – a key step toward promoting eco-friendly behavior.
“It’s box-style unit that can be transported anywhere in the country, which is a major advantage. The equipment is professional and ensures high-quality coffee. The furniture is also eco-friendly, because we aim to promote environmental awareness and eco-responsible partnerships,” says Dumitru.
“Connect Café” quickly became a favorite gathering spot for the town’s young people. It offers educational activities, board games, civic debates, creative workshops, or themed quizzes.
“We regularly organise cultural events and game nights, providing consistent opportunities for entertainment and interaction. These events help foster stronger social bonds within our community,” adds Dumitru.
“It’s such a pleasure to come here, enjoy the cozy atmosphere, and have a coffee with friends. Plus, the staff are our age, so it really feels like being among peers”, shares Anastasia Comerzan, a young resident of Floresti.
The space is specifically designed to encourage free expression, personal initiative, and civic engagement. Moreover, the café serves as a “connection point” between young people and local authorities, facilitating dialogue and intergenerational collaboration.
“The café will serve as a link between youth and local public authorities. We plan to organise more social events and empower young people to get involved in decision-making processes at both local and national levels,” explains Dumitru.
A defining feature of “Connect Café” is its sustainable business model. “We aim to reinvest 90% of the profits into the café’s development and, in the long term, to create a centre for promoting eco-responsible behavior in Floresti”, says Dumitru Stoica.
Through this project, Dumitru has proved that social entrepreneurship is not just a concept – it’s a powerful tool for change. His story inspires other young people to think creatively, act bravely, and work toward the common good.
“Connect Café” is more than a business. It’s a mission. A community. An opportunity. And above all, it’s living proof that when youth are supported, they can transform challenges into meaningful success stories.
